ISIL, Social Media, and the Future of Iraq

What political conditions emerged in Iraq and Syria that contributed to the rise of the Islamic State group (formerly known as ISIL or ISIS)? The group's leaders claim they will overthrow regimes throughout the entire region and establish an Islamic Caliphate. But opposition is strong. Experts note Islamic State group's level of sophistication in the digital sphere has surpassed other groups like al-Qaeda. Is ISG's prowess with social media all hype or are their digital actions posing a real threat to prevailing power structures? And later in the show: young Iraqis discuss the future of their nation.

Guests

LAITH ALKHOURI, Senior Analyst at Flashpoint Global Partners

TWITTER: @FlashpointIntel / WEBSITE: flashpoint-intel.com

Ramesh Srinivasan, Director of Center for Global Digital Cultures, UCLA

TWITTER: @rameshmedia / WEBSITE: rameshsrinivasan.org

Ahmed Habib, Iraqi writer

TWITTER: @ahmedhabib / WEBSITE: shakomako.net

Ruwayda Mustafah, Director of Policy at Kurdish Policy Foundation (KPF)

A. Mallak, Social Media Activist from Basra